Disjointed youth support 'damages wellbeing in later life'

In an open letter, representatives from children’s and youth charities argue that a person’s experiences during their childhood, youth and middle age determine their wellbeing in later life.

The letter marks the launch of the Looking Forward to Later Life report by the Early Action Task Force, co-ordinated by Community Links, which highlights a disjointed approach to the ageing population by successive governments.

Signatories to the letter, including 4Children chief executive Anne Longfield and London Youth chief executive Rosie Ferguson, have called on the government to review its approach and support an early intervention strategy that provides integrated support during childhood and adolescence in a bid to prevent problems arising in later life.

The letter states: “As they grow up and grow older many of these children will use our services.

“To thrive in old age they will need a supportive childhood, a great education, a well-paid career, opportunities to contribute to their communities, secure savings, a healthy lifestyle throughout life, access to good support and social networks.

“And all of this before they reach old age, at which point it might be too late: it is not easy to prepare for later life when we are already old, we can just manage the consequences of what has come before.

“We urge government to join us in creating a bold, ambitious, long-term vision for our ageing society. It would take in pensions and social care, but also education and housing, mental and physical health, work and volunteering.”

Ferguson said it is vital that young people are given the best opportunities to succeed in adulthood.

She said: "For young people to flourish as adults, we must invest in them during their youth and encourage healthy living, invest in education, training and employability, and provide a social support network.

"By making this investment sooner rather than later, we will equip future generations with every possible chance of being able to face down challenges in later life.

"Any such vision must look to developing them as confident, resilient, employable, healthy and socially responsible citizens."

Similarly, Longfield said: “We know that a good childhood can set you up for life and we also know that families flourish best if services and support work with the whole family – helping to improve experiences at every stage in life.

“The Early Action Task Force report recognises the importance of this approach in breaking the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage for some of the most vulnerable communities.”

Other signatories to the letter include Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan, director of United for All Ages Stephen Burke and David Robinson, chair of the Early Action Task Force.